Getting To Know Your Camera
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If you want to become a better photographer and create better photographs, the first step is getting to know your camera and learning how to work your camera thoughtfully in manual exposure mode.
Modern cameras, especially a DSLR, can be confusing and intimidating to use because…
- There are a lot of buttons and dials…
- There is a a lot of information provided in the displays…
Cameras aren’t only cameras anymore, they’re also computers…
- You not only need to learn to work your “camera”…
- You also need to learn to work the “operating system” that your camera uses…
- The good news is that the basics of photography and how a camera works have not changed…
- The not so good news is that the technology that has been brought into the camera can be confusing and is not consistent from camera to camera…
Regardless of the type of camera that you have, to make photography (and your camera) more understandable you’ve got to…
- Learn what a camera does (all cameras basically do the same thing)…
- Once you know what a camera does, you now need to learn how the operating system of your camera performs basic camera functions…
Ashley says: “I really enjoyed the attention to detail during the class. It was a great starter class to learning how to work YOUR camera. I enjoyed the small class size which allowed for a lot of personal attention. It didn’t matter that everyone had a different camera because each person got the necessary attention to learn how to change everything on their camera.”
Once you’ve cut through all the confusion…
- You will know what your camera does and how it does it…
- You can concentrate on making better photographs…
- You can begin to utilize your camera to its fullest potential…
- You will have a good understanding of how your camera works…
- You can begin to rely more on your mind, instead of your camera, to make a photograph…
Course Description
This hands-on, three-hour workshop is intended to introduce basic photographic principals that will allow the participant to understand how their camera works. Aperture, shutter speed, light sensitivity (ISO/ASA), lenses, focusing modes, camera metering and automatic vs. manual exposure settings will be explained and related to the participant’s camera. By the time the class is over you will know the capabilities of your camera, and you’ll be creating photographs in manual exposure mode.
- Basic camera operations….
- Working in automatic mode vs. manual mode…
- If your camera has a manual exposure mode setting, you’ll learn to work your camera in manual exposure mode…
- Exposure…
- Focusing…
- Metering…
- and more…
Heather says: “I was so excited that in 3 hours I was able to use my camera on manual mode. I now know about lighting, metering, aperture and shutter speed. I was amazed at how much you were able to pack into 3 hours.”
You Should Take This Class If You Want To…
- Understand how your camera works…
- Make better pictures…
- Learn how to work your camera in manual exposure mode…
- Learn about focusing modes…
- Learn about metering patterns and modes…
- Understand the basics of photography…
- Begin to create thoughtfully composed photographs…
- Start to learn to work your camera to its fullest potential…
- Stop using auto exposure modes mode…
- Start to rely on your mind, instead of your camera, to make your photograph…
Prerequisites
- A camera that allows you to pick exposure modes…
- You’ll need to bring the “full version” of your camera owners manual to class…
Nellie says: “Sam is able to explain the basics of photography, cameras and light in a way that is so much less complicated than beginners photography books. He’s a great teacher.”
Important Notices
- Please bring something to take notes with to class.
- If you are registering for this class on the day that it is scheduled, you must bring a copy of your receipt as your proof of payment in order to be admitted.
- By registering for this class I agree to the Registration Terms And Conditions.
Class Meeting Location
Depending on the time and day the class is scheduled, classes meet at one of two locations in the Chinatown area of Washington, DC. If you have any questions about the meeting location of a specific class that is scheduled please contact Sam ( https://samdamico.com/contact-sam/ ) with the class name and specific schedule.
Upcoming Classes, Price And Registration
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 at 12:02 am. It is filed under 3 Hour Photography Classes, Quick Studies, Washington DC Summertime Photography Class Series and tagged with Begin, camera, camera works, class, Comments, DSLR, exposure, information, interest, ISO, June, Learn, manual exposure, Notices, online photography classes, online photography courses, online photography instruction, online photography lessons, online photography private lessons, online photography tutoring, online photography workshops, Photograph, photographer, photographs, photography, Photography classes Washington DC, photography classes Washington DC Area, Photography courses Washington DC, Photography Lessons Washington DC, photography workshops washington DC, Prerequisites, Registration, sensitivity, SLR, time, type, Upcoming, Want, Washington DC area photography classes, Washington DC photography classes, Washington DC Photography Courses, Washington DC Photography Instruction, Washington DC Photography Lessons, Washington DC Photography Private Lessons, Washington DC Photography Teacher, Washington DC Photography Tutoring, Washington DC Photography Workshops, workshop.
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Good morning. The list of classes for this Getting to Know Your Camera workshop is o lu listed thru Oct. 5, which as passed. Are there other dates scheduled?
Hello Traci.
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes. I’ve fallen behind on scheduling. I’m planning to have more classes up by the end of next week.
Sam
Checking in. Is the “Getting to Know” class going to be offered again soon?
Thank you for your patience, Traci.
I’ve just added dates in November and December for the Getting To Know Your Camera class.
Here’s the link—>https://samdamico.com/know-camera-photo-class/
Is a Cannon t3i advanced enough for this class? Saving up for a new Dslr but currently only have this to use.
Hi Emma,
The Cannon t3i ( https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d/2) is more than advanced enough for this class.
Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have more questions.
Sam
Hello,
Does this class only cover digital or can I bring my film camera? It is a Pentax ME Super and I have the manual.
-Anna
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Your camera would be fine for this class.
Sam
Hi Sam! I am looking forward to your class today, July 12th at 1:30pm.
Thank you for taking the class, Laura. I enjoyed working with you.
[…] Getting To Know Your Camera (6:30 pm) […]
Hi Sam ,
I don’t have a camera manuel for my nikon d40, is that okay?
thanks!
Hi Jessie,
It’s ok, but it would be much better if you had the “full version” manual.
If you have the CD that came with the camera, the manual is on there.
If you don’t have the CD you can usually download A PDF version of the manual from the manufactures website.
Here’s the manual for the D-40.
http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/kie88335f7869dfuejdl=-cww2/D40_en.pdf
[…] Getting To Know Your Camera (6:30 pm) […]
Hello Sam
I would like to take the Getting to know your camera class. Where will the classes be held?
Thanks
Vannesa Guzman
Hi Vannesa,
Thank you for you interest in my photography classes.
The Getting To Know Your Camera class is held at 920 U Street NW in Washington DC.
You can learn more about the meeting location here.
Best Regards,
Sam
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I would come with my daughter if ok (2 fees)
We have a canon 5D camera. Do you have others with the same camera?
Hi Dominic,
Taking the class with your daughter would be OK. Just make sure that you indicate that there will be two of you during the registration process so you are charged (and spaces are held) for each person.
While I don’t know if there will be anyone else with a Canon 5D, your camera is more than sufficient for the class.
Do you have a course listing for September?
Hi Kati,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I’ve just finished scheduling two Getting To Know Your Camera classes for September.
You can see the updated schedule here.